Dangerous conditions for boaters on entire NSW coast

Roads and Maritime Services has issued an alert after a Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) warning about dangerous surf conditions forecast to affect the entire NSW coast from late Tuesday and into Wednesday.

The BoM forecast is for waves to increase along southern and central parts of the NSW coast late Tuesday night/early Wednesday morning, extending up the coast during the day on Wednesday as a low pressure system deepens over the southern Tasman Sea.

A southerly swell is expected to result in waves of up to three metres high, and four metres high offshore.

Skippers and owners of small craft should be on high alert and check the conditions before considering crossing a coastal bar or heading offshore.

Rock fishers should also check weather forecasts before heading out to decide whether it is safe to fish near dangerous surf.

Strong winds can also cause dangerous conditions for vessels on moorings which have been poorly maintained.

Every skipper is responsible for the safety of their vessel and all on board. Roads and Maritime advises skippers to:

• Check the official weather forecast before and during boating
• Ensure the boat and its equipment is suitable for the conditions
• Log on/off with a Marine Rescue NSW marine radio base for every trip offshore
• Wear a lifejacket.